Elected female officials from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan down to the municipal councilors of the Albay Province attended the Women Leaders’ Summit held at Pepperland Hotel, Legazpi City, on Monday, March 13 in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month.
Highlighted during the discussion was the importance of the women leaders’ roles in the community.
As keynote speaker, Senator Risa Hontiveros shared that women should be inspired to serve and participate in the government service.
“Napakalaki ng ating papel pagdating sa kaunlaran, women in positions of power often offers fresh view point to the table and fight for policies that are advance social justice and gender equality,” Hontiveros said.
Glenda Ong-Bongao, the first female vice-governor and proponent of the event conveyed her viewpoint on the matter.
“Sa gabos na mga kababaihan, babae ka, kailangan ka! Talagang kaipuhan ka. Sa gabos na bagay… sa anuman na larangan kaipuhan talaga ang mga babae and kaipuhan tang ma-recognize ang hardship and struggle kan mga kababaihan,” Bongao shared in an interview with Bicol.PH.
Malinao Municipal Councilor Joan Luyun shared her takeaways about the event.
“Ilaban ta su pagiging babae ta, mas maging makusog kita bako lang sa satuya na ma-prove ta na kaya ta kun panu ang pagiging leader,” said Luyun.
Hontiveros also highlighted the critical skills that drive women to continue working for change that lead to National growth.
“Kahit mahirap, kahit you’re going against the time just keep on going, we come a long way to get here and it’s always fulfilling to see progress no matter how small. Babae tayo, kailangan tayo sa pag-unlad ng lipunan at ng bansa,” she said. | Aaron John Baluis